Originally Posted by Judynyc

You can do what you like.
I will share my experience and knowledge with you then its truly up to you.

The way its written in the book, he has us going way too fast adding in fruits and starches aka 'good carbs'. So, based on my mistakes and what I've observed over the years, I came up with my verison of adding in good carbs. A lot of what I based this on was the OWL phase II of Atkins and its carb ladder. I know....don't throw tomatoes at me!!

First week- start with 1 serving of fruit per day. See how you do with that before moving on. You get to pick the fruit from the acceptable fruits list and it can be different daily.
A good snack is an apple, or 1/2, with 1-2 tbs of peanut butter to slow down the digestion.
Are you still losing? Cravings at all?

Second week-
OK, so we are up to 1 fruit a day and 2nd week we get to add a starch to this. IMO, its best to go with starchy veggies first ie: sweet potato, winter squashes, peas and carrots, etc.
I would not yet add any grain ...not yet!!
Second week gives you 1 fruit and 1 starch a day in addition to all the other food we eat in phase I.

Third week, add in a 2nd fruit so your at 2 fruits and 1 starch
Fourth week- add a 2nd starch so your at 2 fruits and 2 starches.

Going slowly allows your body to adjust to digsting these foods and you can see if you have an intolerance or it sets off a trigger.
I found that wheat triggers me...bad!!

I can eat 2 fruits and 2-3 starches a day and be OK. I don't gain and I don't lose. I'd have to cut back to lose. But we are each different in age, lifetsyles and so what works for me could be different for you in your life and body.
I just ate a pear...had 1/2 cup brown rice with my lunch...and yes, I do count my fruits and starches daily and have been since I started eating this way.

Ask me questions so that I can zero in on where you need info.

Originally Posted by toddswife

Well today was THE day - phase 2 - I had ham, beer can chicken, a squash, and green beans. I let the rest of the family have the mashed potatoes and gravy. Apple pie is in the oven and I am pretty sure I am going to have a piece - small piece - but still a piece. No Easter candy either just one Swedish fish from my daughters basket...I am patting myself on the back

Originally Posted by Judynyc

Not bad!!
Now, if you'd like to know what I'd do after a holiday meal like that?
Well, even though you didn't ask , I'm going to tell you that I'd do 3 days of phase I just to get clean again.